Steering Knuckle Gearbox With Offset Shaft for Track Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle track systems face challenges with high loads on transmission components and require anti-rotation devices due to the reliance on axles for steering and weight transfer, which can lead to increased wear and reduced ride height when retrofitting wheeled vehicles to tracked vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a steering knuckle gearbox assembly with a pivotable body and offset output shaft, allowing for adjustable gear ratios and king pin apertures, which enables the retrofitting of wheeled vehicles to tracked vehicles without significantly increasing ride height and reduces load on wheel hubs by transferring weight through a pivot axle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the track system mounts onto an axle and relies on steering forces being applied to that axle, then steering function is achieved, but the axle acts as a lever applying large loads to transmission components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from the axle by introducing a separate steering knuckle assembly that pivots about a steering axis. The axle is removed from the steering mechanism, eliminating its lever action on transmission components while preserving the steering capability through the knuckle's pivotal motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is segmented into distinct components: the steering knuckle assembly that handles steering forces, the axle frame that supports the track system, and the transmission components that deliver power. This segmentation isolates steering loads from the transmission, preventing the axle from acting as a lever that amplifies loads on gear components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an anti-rotation device is mounted between the track system and the vehicle to limit pivoting, then rotational stability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-rotation function into the pivot axle assembly itself. The pivot axle is configured to naturally resist rotational forces through its mounting geometry and structural design, eliminating the need for separate anti-rotation devices while maintaining rotational stability of the track system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient steering and load distribution, maintaining ride height and ground speed capabilities, while reducing wear on components and enabling the use of smaller drive wheels, thus enhancing the versatility and performance of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
transferring a material part of the weight of the vehicle from the vehicle frame to the track system frame
Implementation Method 2
a steering knuckle pivotably mounted at its inner end to a distal end of the axle frame so as to pivot about a steering axis
Implementation Method 3
a gear train disposed inside the cavity and operatively connecting the ends of the input and output shafts in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A steering knuckle gearbox assembly (138) comprises a body having a housing portion (140) having a cavity defined in the housing portion (140); a mating portion (142) connected to the housing portion (140) and being pivotably mountable an axle frame (106a) of a vehicle; and a mounting portion (144) for having a steering link (90) of the vehicle pivotably mounted to the mounting portion (144). An input shaft (176) is rotationally supported by the housing portion (140) and extends into the cavity at its one end and is operatively connectable to a drive axle (94) of the vehicle at its other end. An output shaft (187) is rotationally supported by the housing portion (140) and extends into the cavity at its one end and is operatively connected to the input shaft (176) at its other end. The output shaft (187) is offset in height from the input shaft (176). A steerable track system for a vehicle is also described.